The speaker should interpret the motion in a holistic fashion, taking into consideration all key facets while crafting their arguments.

The speaker should be able to convince the House with regard to the validity of their stand using logical, structured ideas.

The speaker should support their argument with examples / facts wherever suitable.

The speaker should anticipate and refute the ideas of their opponents, thereby crafting a well rounded and watertight argument.

The speaker should adhere to the formal/ethnic dress code for the debate, appear alert and confident, and refrain from leaning on the lectern or using overly distracting gestures.

The speaker should engage in the correct use of the conventions and forms of address, should be penalized for rude, personal remarks, and must not address either an opponent or the interjector by name.

Clear diction, correct pronunciation, minimal hesitation, minimal reading, and a well modulated, expressive voice are the criteria. The speaker should be judged relative only to the other speakers in his/her category. The speaker should use Hindi at all times except for words that are exceptionally difficult given their Hindi level or that do not have direct Hindi equivalents.

The speaker will speak for three minutes ±1 minute. A warning bell will be rung after 2½ minutes, and a final bell will be rung after the third minute.

The speaker should be able to answer the interjector’s question confidently, effectively, and without compromising the validity of their argument. In the absence of any questions from the audience, the speaker should be allotted full marks for having ‘floored’ the House.

An overall impression of the speaker’s performance as a debater should be judged. If the speaker reads the entire debate, he/she will receive 0/4 in ‘Miscellaneous’.